7 Chapter 7: Wolfish Needs

She was beautiful with her long hair in a loose braid down her back, her straight nose, and full lips. Not to mention her figure. His body reacted just looking at her.

His mate had curves to fill his hands, a soft, flat belly, and rounded hips. Her legs were just long enough to wrap around his waist. Sweet as honey.

She had been innocent. A precious gift in this age. Now he wanted to growl at every male who looked at her. Mine!

Rafe shook his head. Easy buddy. You'll scare her. That was the last thing he wanted. His instinct was to protect and see she was cared for.

He knew in his heart she was his true mate, but he had to make her realize it too. That meant restraint. He'd give her some space. Let her see how good they were together.

"I have some work to do, but I picked up a few things for you when I went out. Some clothes and toiletries. Not that I mind seeing you in my clothes."

"That was thoughtful," her eyes rested on his mouth and Rafe swallowed. He hadn't felt like this since he was a pup.

"Um, would you like a tour of the house on your way back to our room?" Rafe wanted to punch himself in the face.

He sounded like an idiot. He saw the looks his Guard gave him. Great. An audience. He growled at a decibel Charley couldn't hear. The command unmistakable. Back off.

"I'd love it, thanks," Charley smiled. Good. He liked her smile.

They stood up and left the dining room. They made a quick detour to the laundry room off the kitchen where he swiped a pair of clean socks from his basket. He bent down and lifted her feet one at a time.

"So, your feet don't get cold."

"Thank you," her breathy answer told him more than her words. She had found the act of him dressing her as erotic as he had. He blinked to calm the beast inside of him that demanded he drag her into a dark room and have her again and again until she couldn't walk away from him. Really enlightened thinking there, man!

He stood up to put a little distance between them and started the tour. He showed her around several living/sitting rooms. The main kitchen she already saw, but there were smaller snack areas with fridges and microwaves. Werewolves tended to eat a lot.

There was also a game room, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a gym, a weight room, a sauna, a ten-car garage with a working lift, fifteen bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and walk-in closet, a first aid room, a security room, a laundry room, two dining rooms, a ballroom, and a handful of offices.

Not to mention outdoor guest houses, poolside cabanas, and a huge fenced in garden with dense woods directly behind them. He also informed her it was a half hour ride to his private beach.

Fresh flowers graced the hallway. There were exotic potted plants everywhere. Lush and green, their fragrance was light and pleasant. The furniture was oversized and comfortable. Most of the rooms had their own working fireplaces and lots of natural light.

Rafe was conscientious and polite throughout the entire tour. A little too formal for Charley's tastes. At times, she felt self-conscious, but then he'd brush her hair back from her shoulder or take her hand, and everything was okay again.

"I think we should discuss our arrangement, Carlotta. On Christmas Eve, I will present you to my Pack representatives, including the elders, and you will be declared officially as my mate," he waited for her to react. This was so unfair. He felt like a jerk. Once he did that, she would be officially his.

"And then I'll go back to my life. That's what you said, I understand. One thing though," Charley bit her lower lip and looked up at the man in front of her. The man who in just a few hours changed her entire life.

"Yes?" Rafe tensed.

Please, don't let her ask me not to touch her again. He knew that wasn't going to happen. Werewolves were renowned for their virility. And his libido would go into automatic overdrive the minute she was officially matebonded to him.

"Can you bring me some of my clothes and Buttercup? My cat?"

Rafe couldn't help it, he lifted her up in a fierce hug. He laughed and squeezed her before placing her gently back on her feet.

"Of course! If you just make a list of what you need, I'll send Seff for you."

"Alright, thanks."

"I'll walk you back then I, uh, have work to do."

"It's ok, you go ahead, I'll find my way," she gave his hand a squeeze and turned to go.

Damn. He felt like a total piece of shit. His boys kidnapped her, literally. He practically forced himself on her, though seduce was the word he chose to employ. And yet she still agreed to help him out, even though he would totally get it if she wanted to drive a dagger through his back. And now, like a big dumb jerk, he had hurt her feelings. He could smell her sadness, it was kind of like moss and lemons, and it pained him.

He walked to his office feeling like crap. As he passed the huge Christmas tree on display in the main foyer he stopped. He would make it up to her, and he thought he knew how. He'd give her a Christmas she would never forget!